Insulated housing for gas holders



Nov. 25, 1941. F. BARNES INSULATED HOUSING FOR HOLDERS -3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Dec. 22, 1959 Ww 7% WMM@ Nov. 25,1941.

F. BARNES INSULATED HOUSING FOR GAS HOLDERS Filed Dec. 22, 1959 n 3 sheets-sheet 2 Nav. 25, 1941. F. 'BARNES INSULATED HOUSING FOR GAS HOLDERS.

ls sheets-*smet 3 Filed Dec. 22, 1959 III/ll llllll 'IIIII Y 'IIIIIIIIIIIIIII l W w Patented Nov. 25, 1941 INSULATED HOUSING FOR GAS HOLDERS Ferguson Barnes, Bexley, Ohio, assignor'to yInternational-Stacey Corporation, Columbus, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio f Application December 22, 1939, Serial-No. l310,648

Claims. V(Cl. 2220-45) This invention relates to holders for gaseous fluids and is particularly directed to means for insulating and protecting such holders from damage resulting from freezing.

In their ordinary form, large gas `holders are formed to include an open-topped vessel section and anY inverted cup-like drum section telescopically positioned in the first section, the lower being filled with water to seal the open lower end of the movable section and prevent the escape of the gas contained therein. As vgas is introduced or withdrawn from the holder, the inverted :section raises or lowers in proportion to the amount inserted or withdrawn. In localities where lower temperatures prevail during certain seasons of the year, the water in the stationary section is apt to freeze and damage theholder either by bursting the sections or obstructing .the upper section in its movement. To -avoid this danger, it has been proposed to .heat the water in the holder to preventl ice formation. This practice has disadvantages, however, since the holders are of such size that considerable expense is involved in elevating the temperature of the Water and maintaining it at .the elevated temperature, the radiating surface of the .holders being so extensive.

The primary object of this invention .resides in providing housing means for stationary section of a gas holder and insulating such housing means to prevent the escape of heat contained within the water in the gas holder. By Athis provision, the heat required to maintain the elevated temperature of the Water will be reduced and .the required length of time for heating diminished.

Another object of this invention rests in forming the insulating housing of sections which can be Iassembled and dismantled in the field to permit the application of the housing to gas holders already in use.

A further object resides in forming the housing in such manner that a minimum number of connections will be required to secure the housing to the gas holder so that the labor expended in assembling and installing the housing will not increase the cost tosuch an extent as to .make use of the housing prohibitive.

, A still further object is to construct the housing .of relatively light materials and so connect and mount the various parts of the housing that the original framework of the gas holder will yeiifect the support of the housing, thus decreasing the cost of the housing .by eliminating the necessity of `providing .a separate supporting frame and employing relatively heavy materials in the construction of the housing.

Another robject rests in making the housing of sections and connecting them at the edges thereof by tie bars, then utilizing the gas holder itself as a reenforcing medium by employing a plurality of stress -bolts .which are threadedly oarriedvby the housing and are adjusted to bear against the gas holder and apply an outward thrust tothe housing. y When strong winds engage the housing, suiiicient resistance to crushing or .buckling Will `be exerted even though the housing is formedfrom light weight materials.

For fa further understanding of the invention, attention is directed-to the following description and the accompanying drawings in which .the-invention has vbeen illustrated in its lpreferred form.`

In the drawings;

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a gas vholder supplied with the insulating housing constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. .2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the ,housing on a slightly enlarged scale;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional Aview taken through the housing on the plane -indioated by the line III-III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a-detail .side elevational View of the portion of the .housing shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 .is a detail sectional view taken on the plane indicated b y the line V-V of Fig. 4;

Fig. .6 is a detail .sectional view illustrating the connection between the edge portions rof the panels and the Vcolumn-s employed to support the superstructure of the gas holder;

Fig. 7 is a .detail vertical .sectional View taken on the vplane vindicated by the .line VII*VII .of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 isa detail horizontal sectional viewfillustrating slightly modified mechanism-employed to reenforce the housing and apply outwardly directed thrust forces thereto.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the numeral l designates the `gas holder in its entirety. As usual, the gas holder includes astationary base section 2 which is open at its upper end to telescopically vreceive Vthe inverted movable upper -section 3 of -the'holding mechanism. The section 2 is `quite similar to a pan in that it receives -a 'body-of water which prevents the escape ofgas from the in-terior of the upper section I3 around'the lower edge thereof. This edge isimmersed in the liquid at all times. As previously mentioned, the object of the housing, -indicated vgenerally by the numeral 4, is to .prevent the liquid contained vWithin the section 2 from freezing during periods when reduced temperatures prevail.

At the upper end of the stationary section, the usual walkway 5 is provided, this structure being supported in part by vertically extending co1- umns disposed in circumferentially spaced order around the stationary section. The co1- umns are generally formed l from structural members having I-sections as indicated at Fig. 6 in the drawings.

The housing comprising the invention includes a plurality of units, each of which is disposed between adjacent pairs of the columns 6. Each unit is formed from a plurality of panel sections I joined at their edges to form the unit which is in turn connected at its edges with columns 6 and the under side of the walkway 5. Each of the units I includes a pluralityof the panels, certain of which are smaller in` size than the remaining panels. All of the panel sections include frame members 8 formed of angle bars joined at their ends to form a rectangular structure for the reception of metallic and insulating sheets 9 and IIl suitably secured to the frame structures. l

The walkway 5 has angular bracket members II secured to the under sides thereof between the columns 6 and the vertical flanges 'of the barslI are provided with-slots I2 to receive bolts I3 employed in holding additional angle bars I4 thereto. The horizontal flanges of thev bars I4 areprovided at spaced intervals with the stationary portions of hinge members I5. The movable portions of these members are secured to certain of the smaller panels.v When the movable parts of the hinge are joined with the stationary parts by pivot pins I6, the small panels may be moved about horizontal axes to vent the upper portion of the housing. Y

Vertically extending bracket bars I1 are connected with the members I I and have their lower ends connected with the upper ends of the upper row o'f larger panel sections as at I8. The lower row of large panel sections Yare bolted to the lower edges of the panels in the upper' row by bolts l I9 extending through the horizontal -flanges of the panel frames. Y The outer` edges of the'horizontal flangesfof the 'upper panel frames are formed with a down-turned lip 20 which seals the joint between'the edges of the panels and prevents the entrance ofscool air between the horizontal edges of the panels. In-the present illustration, each unit is composed of three groups of superposed panel sections which are rigidlyv connected at their horizontal meeting edges, the groups being joined to one anotherl at their vertical edges by transversely extending tie bars 2I. These bars are of a sufficient length to space the side angle bars of the panels at a slight distance. To secure the tie bars to the panels, the angle bars, at or near the vcorners of the panels, are provided with lugs 22 having perforations formed therein to receive bolts 23. These bolts extend through perforations formed in the ends of the tie bars ZI.

'.To prevent entrance of cool air into the housing through the space between the panel sections, an, insulating stripv 24 is positioned therein, the side edges of the strip engaging the frame members of theY panel sections. These insulating strips are maintained in position by ashing strips 25 supported by the bolts 23. The ashing strips areprovided at their. longitudinal edgesV with inwardly extending flanges v26 which fur,-

messie ther prevent air from entering the housing and reenforce the ashing strips.

At the side edges of the housing units formed by the panel sections, the frames 8 of the panel sections have angle lugs 2'I rigidly secured thereto by bolts or other fastening means 28 which pass through the lugs secured to the angle bars of the panel frames. The angle lugs 2.1 have out- Wardly directed flanges 29 formed with perforatlons for receiving bolts 30 which extend through openings formed in the bodies of the columns 6. The bolts 30 extend through the angle brackets of the panel units on each side of the column and secure the panel units in firm relation with the column. After the panel units are thus bolted in place, the open edges of the joints may be packed with oakum or other insulating material and the bolts then further tightened to securely clamp the edges of the panel units against the insulating material.

To hold the hinged panels in a closed position, vertically extending straps 3l are connected with the upper row of large panels and lugs provided at the lower edge of the hinged panels. To vent the housing, these straps may be removed and the hinged panels moved to an open position indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 3 where they may be held by a brace rod 32 carried by the angle bars I'I. At their lower ends, each group of superposed panels engage the vertical flanges 33 of angle bars suitably secured to the foundation of the gas holder. Any desired means may be employed to maintain the engagement of the panels with the flanges 33, the connection should permit relative vertical movement between the panels and the flanges 33 to compensate for expansion and contraction of the panel sections.

The materials from which the panels are formed may be of relatively light weight to keep the manufacturing cost of the housing at a minimum figure and to decrease the Weight supported by the columns and the walkway. To increase the strength of the housing and prevent buckling thereof under exteriorly applied pressures, certain of the tie bars 2I are provided with threaded openings to receive thrust screws 34 which extend through the spaces between the groups of panels and engage the outer surface of the stationary section 2 of the gas holder.

From Fig. 5, it will be apparent that when the screws 34 are threaded inwardly, the inner ends thereof will bear against the stationary section 2 and an outward force will be exerted on the panels. This force will place the panels under a stress and prevent inward movement thereof when external pressures are applied. The adjustment of the screws 34 will bemaintained by jamb nuts 35 carried by the screw and engaging the outer surfaces of the tie bars.

To assist in the installation ofthel housing, the upper panel of each group is providedwith a pair of eye bolts 36 through which cables; may be trained to elevate the .panels and hold them until the bolts 30 may be put in position. By constructing the' housing as herein described, the labor necessary in installing the housing may be reduced to a minimum figure, the only operations required to be performed in the fieldbeing the drilling of holes inthe columns 6 and the walkway. To prevent the sheets 9 and I0 from deformation, horizontally extending brace mem.- bers 31 are provided which are formed from structural steel and attached to the frame structure 8 in -any suitable manner.

By pivotally mounting the narrow panel secgassen tions Vattheupper portion of the housing, these sections may be Ymoved to open positions 'when desired to ventilatethe space between `the .housing and the container. This feature'has Abeen found quite important since it lessens the tendency of the container to sweat 'andconsequently to prematurely deteriorate. It 'is obvious that means other than the Apivoted panels could be employed iorventilatingpurposes with equal facility, the present showing being merely indicative of one manner in which the ends desired may be secured.

Through the construction disclosed, the housing sections 'may be readily dismantled when it becomes necessary to paint `or otherwise service the container. Y

It is also within the possibility of the invention to keep the housing spaced from -the outer surface oi the tank Ya distance ysufficient to permit workmen to enter the spaceto perform painting operations without dismantling the housing. When such a large space is provided, it may be found desirable to employ slightly different reenforcing mechanism between the housing and the tank. 'One form of such mechanism has been illustrated in detail in Fig. 8 wherein the thrust screw 34a replaces the screw 34 employed in the rst form. The screw 34a is shorter than the other and after passing through the tie bar 2|, has its end disposed in a socket formed in the body of a tripod device 36a having legs 31a, the outer ends of which engage the exterior wall of the tank. By threading the screw into the tie bar an outward thrust will be imparted to the housing in the same manner as in the iirst form.

While but a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, the construction oi the various parts may be varied to a considerable extent without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. In an insulating housing for gas holders of the type having a stationary section and vertical columns disposed in spaced relation therearound, a plurality of panels disposed around said stationary section between said columns, means for joining the edges of said panels and connecting the same to said columns, and thrust bolt means carried by said panels in spaced relation from said columns with one end of said bolt means in engagement with said stationary section, adjustment of said bolt means toward said stationary section serving to place said panels under outwardly directed stressing forces.

2. In an insulating housing for gas holders of the type having a stationary section and vertical columns disposed in spaced relation therearound, a plurality of panels dispose-d around said stationary section between said columns, insulating material carried by said panels, means for joining the edges of said panels and connecting the same to said columns, and thrust bolt means carried by said panels in spaced relation from said columns with one end thereof in engagement with said stationary sections, adjustment of said bolt means toward said stationary section serving to place said panels under outwardly directed stressing forces.

3. In an insulating housing for gas holders of the type having a stationary section and vertical columns disposed in spaced relation therearound, panel means positioned between said columns and comprising metallic frame members, sheet material secured to said frame members, tie bars connecting groups of said panel rmeans to jiorm sections, -means fior securing the :edges -of isa-id sectionsto said spaced columns, and thrust screw means carried by certain of sa'idtie bars and engaged with the stationary portion of said vgas holder to Vapply an youtwardly ldirected stressing force to lsaid panels. Y f

4. In a gas holder Yor the type having la stationary tank'section, vertically-extending columns disposed in spaced relation around said tank section and a `,walkway supported 'by said Icolumns adjacent to the upper portiony or said tank section, insulating means for said holdercompr'ising "a plurality of panels vdisposed in vertical order -between said columns, m-eansior joining theedges of said panels and connecting the vsameto'saijd Columns `and said Walkway, and means carried V'by said ypanels and engaging said tank section Ybetween said columns, said 'means being vradjustable to Yapply van outwardly directed stressingorce to said panels vat the points of connection thereof.

n 5. In a gas holder of the type having astationary tanksection,'vertically extending columns disposed in spacedrrelation around said tank section and a walkway supported by said columns adjacent the upper vvportion of said tank section, insulating means for said holder comprising a plurality of panels disposed in vertical order between said columns, said panels including angular frames and sheet insulating material carried thereby, bracket means secured to said walkway between said columns, means for pivotally connecting certain of said panels to said bracket means, tie bar means connecting the edges of said panels to form sections, means for anchoring the edge portions of said sections to said columns, thrust bolts yadjustably carried by said panel sections at spaced points, said thrust bolts being movable to engage the stationary tank of said holder and exert an outward force on said panels, and means for locking said bolts in positions of adjustment.

6. In a gas holder of the type having a stationary tank section, vertically extending columns disposed in spaced relation around said tank section and a walkway supported by said columns adjacent the upper portion of said tank section, insulating means for said holder comprising a plurality oi panels disposed in vertical order between said columns, said panels including angular frames and sheet insulating material carried thereby, bracket means secured to said walkway between said columns, means for pivotally connecting certain of said panels to said bracket means, tie bar means extending between the frames of adjoining panels and holding the same in predetermined spaced relation between said columns, means for securing the edge portions of certain panels to said columns, insulating strips disposed in the spaces between adjoining panels, channel shaped ilashing strips covering the joints between said panels and said insulating strips,-

and thrust bolts projecting through the spaces between said panels and engaging said stationary tank, adjustment of said thrust bolts serving to exert an outward pressure on said panels to resist exteriorly applied pressures.

7. In a gas holder of the type having a stationary tank section, vertically extending columns disposed in spaced relation around said tank section and a walkway supported by said columns adjacent the upper portion of said tank section, insulating means for said holder comprising a plurality of groups of superposed rectangular panels disposed in edge to edge relationship between said columns, the panels of each group being rigidly connected to form units, tie means connecting the edges of adjacent units and holding the same in predetermined spaced relation, means for securing the edges of certain units to adjacent columns, bracket means connecting the upper portions oi said unit to said walkway, insulating strip means positioned in the spaces between adjoining units, flashing strip members covering the 4joints between said insulating strips and said units, thrust bolts carried by certain of said tie means and extending through the spaces between said units to engage said stationary tank section, said bolts being adjustable to impart outwardly directed forces to said panels Y to resist exteriorly applied forces, and lock nuts carried by said bolts to maintain the positions of adjustment thereof. j

8. In a container of the type: having vertically extending columns disposed in spaced relation around the body thereof, housing means for said container comprising a plurality of panels disposed in vertical order between said columns, means for joining the edges of said panels and connecting the same to said columnsy means carried by said panels for cooperation with said container to exert outwardly directed thrust forces to said panels at points spaced from said columns, and means provided with said housing for ventilating the space between said housing and said container.

9. In a gas container of the type having Vertically extending columns disposed in spaced relation around the body thereof, means for protecting the exterior of said container comprising panel means extending between said columns and being spaced from said container body, means for securing the edges of said panels to said columns, and adjustable means carried by said panel means in spaced relation from said columns for engagement with said container body to exert outwardly directed forces on said panel means, said adjustable means being accessible from the exterior side of said protecting means.

10. In combination with a gas container of the type having a body and vertical columns disposed in spaced relation therearound, housing means extending between an adjacent pair of columns comprising panel means secured at the side edges to said columns, and means cooperating with said container body for exerting outward pressure to said panel means in spaced relation from said columns.

FERGUSON BARNES. 

